When to Call or See Your Doctor

Call or See Your Doctor If Your Child Has

Besides as stated under infection, there are three other situations that may require you see your doctor.

Bites on the Ear

The cartilage in the ear is more susceptible to becoming infected from an insect bite. Follow the precautions as above to prevent infection, but also be sure to use warm soaks from the start (instead of only if an infection sets in). If it does become infected, see your doctor. You may need antibiotics sooner than normal bites.

Brown Recluse Spider Bites

This particular spider bite can form a large purple irregularly shaped blister surrounded by a red ring. Over the next few days, the blister opens and an ulcerated area forms. This looks like an infected crater forming at the bite. If you suspect this bite, see your doctor. This ulcerated area can continue to enlarge if not treated promptly by a physician. This brown spider has a dark-orange violin-shaped mark on it’s head and tends to live in dark, dry places such as vacation homes or abandoned houses. If you can, bring the spider to your doctor or ER.

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Black Widow Spider Bites

This spider has a red hourglass on the body. Bites from this spider have a 5 % fatality rate. The bite seems normal, but within less than an hour generalized symptoms occur, including muscle cramps, painful muscle spasms, loss of sensation or tingling, headache, dizziness, vomiting, or trouble swallowing. Go to an ER or call 911 if you are bitten by a known black widow spider or you experience theses symptoms. Bring the spider with you.

August 30, 2013July 26, 2017Dr. Bill Sears

About Ask Dr. Sears

AskDrSears.com is intended to help parents become better informed consumers of health care. The information presented in this site gives general advice on parenting and health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs.